I grew up in New Jersey, a state where rumors abound. Maybe it’s because the East Coast has seasons, and people need to keep occupied during long, cold winters. Or perhaps people want to hurt others to make themselves feel better. I’ve never been a rumor monger because I’ve experienced the havoc a rumor can wreak and documented it in my memoir What Lies Within. (more…)
On Sunday, February 21, 2016, I will participate in a local authors’ book presentation and signing at the Thousand Oaks Library, located at:
1401 E. Janss Road
Thousand Oaks, California 91362
from 3 –4:30 p.m. (more…)
How often have you heard a story and asked, “Is that really true?” Sometimes life’s events seem too bizarre to have actually occurred—but they did. The Spirit of Villarosa, a book I coauthored that will soon be released, contains tales told by a known raconteur, whose stories were sometimes doubted but were filled with truth. (more…)
When I married Don Atwater, I gained a whole new family. His parents treated me like the daughter they never had. His mother’s two brothers and their wives in the Midwest welcomed me into their hearts and their homes, as did the offspring of these amazing adults—Don’s five first cousins. Other cousins from around the U.S. and Europe claimed me as one of their own. I felt loved and wanted and always will.
My father-in-law’s family in upstate New York also rolled out the welcome mat. Although we don’t see this side of the family often, we stay in touch with Don’s remaining aunt and first cousins.
Sometimes those we consider family are not the ones who gave us life or raised us, but those who chose to take us in when we were orphaned and alone. These people with big hearts and open minds define family. They’re loving, giving, kind, and caring. In the past few years we’ve shared births, illnesses, and deaths, and we support each other as best we can. If we differ on something, we discuss it as adults. Together we weather life’s joys and sorrows, and by being there for each other, we offer strength and love.
I awoke to a sunny Southern California morning, complete with a clear blue sky, a gentle breeze, and the promise of warmer weekend weather. This beautiful day brightens my outlook and energizes me, especially after having been off the past week with a nasty virus.
I’m ready to tackle my work space with its piles of things to do. While it may seem disorganized at first glance, it really is well ordered. One pile houses my writing, my joy and solace. Another contains work for The Spirit of Villarosa, a soon-to-be published book I coauthored. The other piles hold personal and business items: bills to pay, birthday greetings to send, homework for a class I missed, books to read, and checkbooks to balance. All require attention, and I must perform triage, just as they did at the hospital with me last week. And now, let the assessment begin.
Thanks to all my loyal followers for your good wishes. I’m back!
For nearly twenty years, I’ve had the privilege of helping others write their life stories by interviewing them and ghostwriting the stories they so freely shared. Many clients told family and friends they were writing their autobiographies; in other words their own life stories. (more…)